San Antonio (ECU) Edges CD El Nacional 1-0 in Serie B Battle

A hard-fought single goal was enough for San Antonio (ECU) to claim a 1-0 victory over CD El Nacional in the Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B. The win lifts San Antonio away from the relegation scrap, while El Nacional's promotion ambitions take a hit.

Match Summary

The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute. A long ball over the top found Jorge Ayoví, who controlled well and fired low past El Nacional goalkeeper Pedro Ortiz. It was Ayoví's fifth goal of the campaign. El Nacional dominated possession for large stretches but lacked cutting edge in the final third.

Key Moments

• 52' – Ayoví scores the winner after a swift counter-attack.
• 68' – El Nacional's Luis Quiñónez hits the post with a header from a corner.
• 83' – San Antonio goalkeeper Jhon Jairo Cuesta makes a brilliant double save to preserve the lead.

Tactical Battle

San Antonio coach Alex Colcha set his team up in a compact 4-4-2, inviting pressure and looking to hit on the break. El Nacional struggled to break down a well-drilled defence, often resorting to long-range efforts that troubled Cuesta little. The visitors' frustration grew as the match wore on, and they were unable to find an equaliser despite late pressure.

Man of the Match

Jhon Jairo Cuesta was outstanding in goal for San Antonio, making seven saves, including the crucial double stop in the 83rd minute. His performance earned his side the three points.

Standings Implications

San Antonio move to 25 points, now five points clear of the relegation zone in 10th place. CD El Nacional remain in 3rd with 37 points, but their gap to leaders Manta FC has now stretched to eight points with only a handful of matches left in the season.